The family of missing hillwalker Edward Davies yesterday thanked those searching for him and said they were still hopeful that he will be found alive.
The 39-year-old has not been seen or made contact with his family or friends since he left a note in a hire car saying he planned to go up Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh at Glencoe on Sunday May 8 and to return the same day.
His note was not found until Wednesday of last week.
In a heart-wrenching appeal issued yesterday his family said: “This is a critical time for Edward.
“He is very likely to have a small dark grey/green one man tent with him for emergencies and supplies adequate to last several days.
“Edward is physically capable and an experienced hillwalker.
“He is also a wildlife enthusiast, who may have been drawn to particular nature spots beyond the area.
“The weather on the Sunday and through the week has been excellent so we still have every hope we can find Edward alive.
“We love Edward very much and are all desperate for his safe return.”
They said Mr Davies was likely to have been on Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh or in the area of Ben Finlay during the day, potentially early in the morning.
The family described him as slim with dark hair and said he would have been wearing a blue Rab waterproof jacket, a T-shirt or green Buffalo fleece.
They added that the last known sighting of him was on the evening of Saturday May 7 at the Clachaig Inn, Glencoe.
And they said: “We would urge anyone who was walking in the area during the weekend of May 7 and 8 or since to think back with these details in mind and consider any potential sightings of Ed or anything that may assist the search effort.
“Ed’s friends and family wish to thank everyone involved in the search so far especially police and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team.
“Their support and determination has been overwhelming.”
Anyone with information that may assist the search effort is urged to contact police on 101.
